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Longtime Cross Street resident urges county action after repeated flooding
Summary
A resident whose Cross Street property has flooded repeatedly urged the Drainage Board to replace a culvert and dredge Solder Ditch; board members said the issue is known and on the county's radar but no fast fix is available.
At the April 7 meeting, resident Ken Norman of 1315 Cross Street told the Morton County Drainage Board his property has flooded repeatedly since downstream development and highway runoff changed local drainage patterns and asked whether the culvert can be replaced or Solder Ditch dredged.
Norman said runoff from the Grand Valley development and highway work has increased flow into what he called Starter/Sarter Ditch and that water backed into his garage during a past event. He said he purchased flood insurance in 2008 that cost about $100 per year; the policy now costs $911 annually. "I've still got the flooding problem, and they're telling me that I'm not in a flood zone," Norman said, and he asked the board to inspect and consider dredging or replacing the culvert near his property.
Board members acknowledged the issue, told Norman the county has discussed drainage from the Walmart/Grand Valley area and the east side of Highway 69, and said staff are working to find development plans and possible solutions. The board said some floodplain mapping was changed in the past and that retaining more runoff on upstream properties is an objective; they also said a larger crossing at a different location will be considered when funding is available.
The board did not commit to immediate construction; staff said they would keep Norman informed as they pursue plans and investigate options.
Context: Norman said recent storms produced more than 4 inches of water crossing the road near his property and that the county had previously removed some trees but left vegetation that contributes to reduced conveyance. He offered photos to the board and asked for follow-up contact; board staff said they would pass along contact information and keep him updated.
